Ralph Bernard

Ralph Bernard, an experienced media professional who has also worked for many years with Arts organisations, has served as a Trustee of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust since 2012.

He was Chief Executive and subsequently Chairman of Classic FM for 20 years having formed the idea to launch the station whilst he was CEO of GWR Group plc, Britain’s largest commercial radio company.  He is an award-winning radio documentary producer and remains active in programme making, these days more for BBC radio.  For the past 10 years Ralph has been the deputy Chairman and largest shareholder of Stratford’s local radio station with studios a few miles from the town centre.

He is Chairman of Quidem Productions, an independent producer of theatre shows, films and radio programmes.  In addition, he is Chairman of the Central School of Ballet and also the Broadcast Journalism Training Council, a collaboration between academic institutions and the BBC, ITV, Channel Four and Reuters.  He is a former Chairman and remains an active Trustee of the British Lung Foundation recently merged with Asthma UK. Previous appointments include Chief Executive of the Royal Albert Hall.  In 2002 Ralph was awarded a CBE for services to broadcasting.

Ralph Bernard chairs the SBT’s Nominations & Remuneration Committee.